Problem Solving

Hello All,

I searched the forums to see if this question was already asked, apologies if I missed it in the search results.

"If candy bars that regularly sell for $.40 each are on sale at two for $.75, what is the percent reduction in the price of two such candy bars purchased at the same price?"

A. 2 1/2%
B. 6 1/4%
C. 6 2/3%
D. 8%
E. 12 1/2%

I know the formula for calculating the percent decrease (subtracting the new amount from the original amount and dividing by the original). so I came up with .05/.80, but that is as far as I was able to go. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to help me finish this problem using mental math? I looked up the answer in the study guide, but I'm just not sure how I'm supposed to arrive there without a calculator. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Jess V.

Cost of 2 Bar : 2 * .0.40 = 0.80 but you got it in 0.75
Discount = 0.80 - 0.75 = 0.05

%discount = (0.05 / 0.80) * 100 = 5 * 100 / 80 = 100 /16 = 6 4/16 = 6 1/4

Thank you thank you thank you! It seems so obvious now that I see it. You have been SO helpful!